Our critically-acclaimed hit Animal Farm, directed by Deputy Artistic Director Amy Leach, has been nominated for an Olivier Award – British theatre’s most prestigious honour.
We’re thrilled to announce that our five-star hit Animal Farm, directed by Deputy Artistic Director Amy Leach, has been nominated for an Olivier Award – one of British theatre’s most prestigious honours.
The co-production with Stratford East, in association with Nottingham Playhouse, is nominated for Best New Production in Affiliate Theatre.
“I am beyond excited by this incredible honour,” said Director Amy Leach. “This is a very special production created and performed by an exceptional group of people. Working with this team to craft this bold, challenging and incredibly rewarding play, has been the privilege of a lifetime.”
Designed by Hayley Grindle, Animal Farm was built in Leeds by the Playhouse’s highly skilled Costume and Workshop teams. All performances include live creative audio description performed in-character by a member of the cast. Access productions at Leeds Playhouse are sponsored by Principal and Access Partner Irwin Mitchell.
The show opened at Stratford East on 7 February and returns to Leeds Playhouse’s Quarry Theatre from 12-29 March.
Announcing the nominations, the Olivier Awards commented: “The competition for nominations has been intense in what has proven to be a transformative year, marked by a rich blend of dynamic new works, innovative interpretations of classics, and a commitment to championing diverse voices and stories.”
The annual awards will take place on Sunday 6 April at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, hosted by singer and West End star Beverley Knight and Broadway and screen legend Billy Porter. A highlights package will air on ITV and Magic Radio that evening.
Animal Farm is Tatty Hennessy’s fresh adaptation of George Orwell’s dystopian classic, exploring loss of identity, the seductive allure of greed, and the corrupting nature of political power.
In the year Orwell’s political fable marks its 80th anniversary, Amy Leach directs Tianah Hodding (Clover), Shakeel Kimotho (Mollie), Robin Morrissey (Snowball), David Nellist (Benjamin), Tachia Newall (Napoleon), Gabriel Paul (Boxer), Em Prendergast (Milo), Everal A Walsh (Old Major), Farshid Rokey (Minty), Brydie Service (Clara), Tom Simper (Squealer), Kaya Ulasli (Jones), and Joshua-Alexander Williams (Blue).
The creative team is completed by Lighting Designer Jai Morjaria; Sound Designer Khalil Madovi; Movement Director Kane Husbands; Casting Director Lucy Casson CDG; Fight Director Kate Waters; Assistant Director Jordi M. Carter; Deaf Creative/BSL Consultant Stephen Collins; Audio Description Consultants Vicky Ackroyd and Esther Irving; Integrated BSL Interpreter Rachael Merry; and Lead BSL Interpreter Sarah Cox.
